Extractors, Vacuums & Washers

Vacuum cleaners are often referred to as Hoover’s because the Hoover brand dominated the vacuum cleaner industry for years, although they did not invent the concept. Working by using a low volume of air travelling at high speed, vacuum cleaners are the perfect tool for picking up dust from carpets, floors and upholstery; some vacuum cleaners are also capable of sucking up water if they are classed as a wet or dry machine, making them ideal for use at home and in the office. Commercial vacuum cleaners use more durable motors and are built with more robust cases, wheels and accessories in order to withstand the rigours of constant daily use in environments such as hotels and public buildings.

Vacuum cleaners should not be confused with portable dust extractors which have to meet strict filtration classification from categories L, M and H. Portable dust extractors are often used for ‘on tool’ extraction of harmful dust such as wood and silica, removing large volumes of particles at source and therefore limiting the amount of dust escaping into the air and surrounding area.

Many dust extractors used in conjunction with a power tool have an auto take-off feature; this allows the power tool to be plugged directly into the dust extractor, switching it on, as soon as the power tool is started. Users need to be aware of the maximum wattage capacity of the auto take-off socket on the extractor, pairing them with a suitably powered tool, particularly when using 110V machines.

Dust extractors used in the workshop or on-site for vacuuming dust must have the correct filtration specification usually from categories M and H. It is a misconception that only dust extractors connected to power tools need to meet a specific dust category classification, as it is irrelevant whether the dust being collected is exhausted from a power tool or simply being vacuumed from the floor – it is the same harmful dust that anyone present in the environment needs to be protected from.

Other features of industrial dust extractors are; filter cleaning devices which help to keep the filter performing efficiently with systems using a blast of air or some method of shaking the filter, audible alarms which alert the user to blocked filters and hoses, anti-static containers, hoses and floor tools and filter bags that are able to be sealed when disposed of, preventing dust from leaking into the atmosphere.

Protrade stock a comprehensive range of portable dust extractors from brands such as Nilfisk, Festool, Metabo and Mafell. Work safe and comply with HSE regulations by investing in dust extraction equipment using our 0% finance option. It allows you to take immediate delivery of essential equipment without compromising cash flow by paying monthly.